Is a gluten-free diet good for your health?

A gluten-free diet is the only option for people with celiac disease, a severe gluten intolerance. Now, many people without this condition are ‘going gluten free’ because they believe it is a healthful option.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale, a combination of wheat and rye. It helps foods such as cereal, bread, and pasta, to hold their shape. It is also found in some cosmetic products, such as lip balm, and in the glue on the back of stamps and envelopes.

In people with celiac disease, consuming just one crouton can cause health problems, as they cannot digest gluten at all. Following a diet that includes gluten can lead to severe illness. Going gluten-free can save the life of a person with celiac disease.

However, a survey by a market research company has found that almost 30 percent of adults in the U.S. are trying to reduce or eliminate gluten from their diet. Many of these do not have celiac disease.